de jure
Meaning. By right or by law; legally recognised, as opposed to existing in fact.
De jure describes a status that the law recognises, whether or not it matches the facts on the ground. A de jure government is the legally recognised government, even if it has lost control; a de jure guardian is one appointed by law or by a court.
In international law the terms matter in recognition of states and governments: de facto recognition is provisional and may be withdrawn, while de jure recognition is full and final. In constitutional law, a person can be a de jure office-holder but have ceased to exercise power, or a de facto holder without lawful title. The two terms almost always appear as a pair.
Example
India's recognition of the new government was de jure, giving it full diplomatic status rather than provisional dealings.
See also
Read more in the study notes
- Rule of law and droit administratif (Administrative Law)
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